Use context to identify the meaning of a word
Key Notes:
Understanding Context
Context Clues:
Context clues are hints or information provided in the text surrounding a difficult word that help you understand its meaning.
Types of Context Clues:
- Definition Clues: Sometimes the text directly defines the word. For example, “The arboretum, a place where trees and shrubs are cultivated, was beautiful.”
- Synonym Clues: Words with similar meanings are used. For example, “The room was very cramped, or small and tight.”
- Antonym Clues: Words with opposite meanings are used. For example, “The weather was hot and sunny, unlike the previous day’s chilly cold.”
- Example Clues: Examples are given to explain the word. For example, “He has a knack for solving puzzles, such as crosswords and Sudoku.”
Reading Surrounding Sentences:
To understand a word, read the sentences before and after it. They often provide more information about the word’s meaning.
Determining Meaning Through Context:
- Identify the Unknown Word: Highlight or note the word you don’t understand.
- Find Clues: Look for any definitions, synonyms, antonyms, or examples in the surrounding text.
- Infer Meaning: Use the clues to make an educated guess about what the word means.
- Verify: Check if the inferred meaning makes sense in the overall context of the passage.